Resources for law firms
Supporting clients abroad with local lawyers
Prepare local support when your clients develop a project abroad. Identify their needs and coordinate with a suitable lawyer.
The challenge
Anticipate needs beyond your usual scope
A client's project may extend beyond the territory or practice areas your firm usually covers. A new location, overseas business relationships or a change in circumstances may create a need for local counsel. Preparing that support gives you clear criteria for the discussion.
The aim is not to suggest that your firm understands every foreign context. It is to identify the need, recognise the expertise that is missing and propose an arrangement the client can understand. Each professional's role should then be discussed in light of the proposed engagement.
The approach
Prepare the handover and communication
First clarify the country involved, the project timeline and the questions that require local expertise. Separate the work your firm can continue to handle from matters to be considered with another professional. This preparation will help you search for a lawyer using concrete criteria.
Before making an introduction, discuss the prospective firm's experience, working languages and availability. Agree with the client and the professionals involved how communication will work, the scope of each role and the conditions for sharing information. Everyone should know whom to contact about each subject.
European Lawyers Directory can help you identify profiles in the relevant country. Your final choice and the working relationship depend on direct discussions, taking account of the client's actual needs and the agreed terms.
Take action
Make the arrangement clear to the client
- Set out the questions requiring local counsel and the associated timetable.
- Confirm the lawyer's practice area, languages and capacity to take on the work.
- Clarify roles and communication channels before starting work together.
Continuity of support depends on an explicit division of responsibilities. A well-prepared handover helps the client understand each firm's role and the next step in the project.
Further reading
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